The continued increase in copper production this year has been attributed to the low rainfall which was recorded in the 2023/2024 rainy season.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, emphasized the correlation between low rainfall and increased copper production, stating, “The major driver is the low rainfall in the North Western Province, which holds Kansanshi and Lumwana. From January to March, when there is usually rain, production figures seem to be depressed, but this time around, due to insufficient rain, production has increased.”
Zambia has continued witnessing increase in copper production with the May 2024 minerals production report indicating a 10% increase in copper production, reaching 282,654 metric tons from January to May 2024.
Zambia’s copper production has increased from 259, 967 metric tons produced from January to May 2023 to about 282, 654 metric tons produced within the same period this year representing about a 10 percent increase.
According to the Mines Minerals Productions report seen by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, FQM Trident Limited emerged as the frontrunner in this growth, contributing 36% in production.
Following closely behind, Kansanshi Mining displayed 23%, while Lumwana Mining Company and NFC Africa Mine contributed about 14% and 10% respectively.
However, the report also highlights variations within the industry, with Mimbula Minerals showing the lowest contribution at 2%, with Mopani contributing only 5% while CNMC Luanshya contributed 7%.
“The major driver is the low rainfall in North Western Province which holds Kansanshi and Lumwana. From January to March normally when there is rain, production figures seem to be depressed but this time around because there was not enough rain the production has increased.” Remarked Dr Kabeta.
